i dunno, i liked the suggestion to just get a clear pickguard, then get colored paper or any picture or something and set it under the pickguard, trim the paper, and them presto! new pickguard...you can change it whenever you want!

i dunno, i liked the suggestion to just get a clear pickguard, then get colored paper or any picture or something and set it under the pickguard, trim the paper, and them presto! new pickguard...you can change it whenever you want!

Its funny---I have always thought pickguards to be extremely inexpensive. You can completely change the look of your bass for a small bit of cash. I just purchased a Fender 62 reissue P Tort p/g for $42. That is very inexpensive for what it does to the instrument, in my opinion. Besides, sell the one you are replacing, and you'll probably pay for half the new guard.

I find them rather reasonably priced, especially considering that they're made by hand if yours is being copied, and there is a high chance of ruining a guard. Copying isn't foolproof, so I'd be happy to spend $40-50 to make sure someone spends the time to do it right.

If a LOT of people are willing to pay that much for one, then i guess the price is right. If someone is willing to pay 40 bucks for one, then it is worth 40 bucks...to them atleast. I can see how much it changes how a bass looks and if people are willing to spend A LOT of money for a piece of wood on the top of a bass that is mostly for looks, then you can definately justify spending 40 bucks on a pickguard.

Bottom line is, if you think they cost way to much, then dont buy one.

I just had to buy one for a project of mine and about £32 including shipping or not for a gold WD pickguard is a complete laugh...the only reason I didn't get a piece of gold plastic and make my own is because I can't be arsed - thats why pickguards are so expensive if you ask me - because the guitar companies know the value of a pre cut pickguard when they know the customer could just as easily spend what...$5-ish on a piece of plastic to cut to size?

I've made wooden pickguards myself with good result to avoid exactly this problem. I don't see how anyone can make an argument for new pickguards NOT being overpriced... they're just ridiculously expensive. Granted, it's what people will apparently pay, so I try to go Ebay or DIY to avoid spending $40 on <$1 worth of plastic